Rogan Art Kutch Trust is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the vibrant artisanal heritage of Kachchh, Gujarat. Our name, Rogan Art Kutch, embodies the essence of our mission—Kachchh, Gujarat Heritage, Art, Music, Information, and Resources. In Gujarati, it translates to ‘Rang Rogan’, while in Hindi, it means ‘Rang Ka Kaam’—a fitting reflection of the creativity and dynamism that fuels our work and the cultural landscape of Kachchh.
Established in 2023 and formally registered under the Societies and Trust Acts, Rogan Art Kutch Trust serves as a hub for the promotion of traditional handicrafts, cultural practices, and sustainable craftsmanship. We are committed to safeguarding not only the art forms but also the communities, traditions, and ecosystems that nurture them.
Our Leadership & Mastery
The Rogan Art Kutch Trust is guided by Master Artisan Ashish Shantilal Kansara. With a lineage spanning generations, Ashish is one of the few practitioners globally proficient in all three historical branches of the craft: Freehand painting, Nirmika Rogan Chhap (Mould Printing), and Varnika.
As a GI-718 Authorized User (AU/35946/GI/718/1), his work serves as the gold standard for authenticity in Kutch. Together with his wife, Komal Kansara, they have trained over 130 women, transforming a once-secret family tradition into a movement of social empowerment in Madhapar.
A Message from Ashish Kansara
“Rogan Art is not just a painting; it is the heartbeat of a 1,550-year-old lineage. My journey with this craft began at the age of 14, learning under the steady hands of my grandfather, Jamnadas Vastaram Kansara. He taught me that in Rogan, the metal stylus never actually touches the fabric—it is the ‘liquid thread’ of our spirit that creates the art.
Today, as a legally recognized GI-718 Authorized User, my mission through the Rogan Art Kutch Trust is to ensure this ‘Living Science’ never disappears again. We have moved beyond the traditional borders of the past to embrace a new era of empowerment. Alongside my wife, Komal, we have trained over 130 women in Madhapar, breaking centuries of secrecy to make this art inclusive and sustainable.
When you choose a piece from our workshop, you are not just buying a textile; you are supporting a verified legacy of Triple Mastery—the freehand, the rare Nirmika mould printing, and the shimmering Varnika styles. We invite you to join us in Madhapar to witness this alchemy of castor oil and pigment, and to help us weave the next chapter of Kutch’s cultural history.”
— Ashish Shantilal Kansara > Master Artisan, Rogan Art Kutch Trust
At Rogan Art Kutch Trust, we believe in fostering collaboration and innovation. Our platform brings together artisans, designers, cultural enthusiasts, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, revive endangered crafts, and elevate the appreciation of handmade artistry. Through advocacy and education, we aim to reshape perceptions, ensuring that crafts and their creators receive the recognition they deserve. Proud partner of Bhujodi Saree. While we specialize in the ancient painting technique of Rogan Art, our sister brand Bhujodi Saree CraftCentres provides the hand-woven Bhujodi and Kala cotton fabrics we often use as our canvas.
Our vision is a thriving, sustainable Indian craft sector where artisans are celebrated globally, and traditional arts continue to inspire future generations. Join us in honoring the legacy of Kachchh’s craftsmanship and shaping a brighter future for India’s cultural heritage.
—Preserving Tradition, Empowering Artisans.